Liquid container with anti-crushing feature

Abstract

A mono-dose container comprises a housing defining an internal cavity. The housing includes a first sidewall defining a first interior surface of the internal cavity, and a second sidewall defining a second interior surface of the internal cavity at least partially opposing the first interior surface. A first protrusion extends from the first sidewall into the internal cavity. A second protrusion extends from the second sidewall into the internal cavity and in a direction of the first protrusion. The first and second protrusions define complementary surfaces sized to engage one another and limit relative movement between the first and second protrusions in at least two directions.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A container, comprising:
 a housing defining an internal cavity, including:
 a top wall defining a first interior surface of the internal cavity; and 
 a bottom wall defining a second interior surface of the internal cavity at least partially opposing the first interior surface; 
 
 a first protrusion extending from the top wall into the internal cavity; 
 a second protrusion extending from the bottom wall into the internal cavity and in a direction of the first protrusion, the first and second protrusions defining complementary surfaces engaging one another in an at least partially compressed state of the container and limiting relative movement between the first and second protrusions in at least two directions;
 wherein at least one of the top wall or the bottom wall is biased in a direction of the other one of the top wall or the bottom wall in the compressed state of the container; 
 
 wherein in the compressed state, the first protrusion is at least partially received within a recess formed in the second protrusion; and 
 wherein with the first protrusion and the second protrusion engaged, a fluid channel is open between an exit port and an internal cavity portion upstream from the protrusions. 
 
     
     
       2. The container of  claim 1 , wherein with the first protrusion and the second protrusion engaged, relative movement between the first and second protrusions is prevented in at least one direction that is normal to a direction of compression of the top wall relative to the bottom wall. 
     
     
       3. The container of  claim 1 , wherein with the first protrusion and the second protrusion engaged, relative movement between the first and second protrusions is prevented along a plane defined between the first protrusion and the second protrusion in the compressed state of the container. 
     
     
       4. The container of  claim 3 , wherein complementary mating surfaces of the first protrusion and the second protrusion at least partially oppose one another in directions normal to a direction of compression of the top wall relative to the bottom wall. 
     
     
       5. The container of  claim 1 , wherein the first protrusion includes a first component having a first cross-section and extending into the internal cavity, and a second component having a second cross-section distinct from the first cross-section and extending from an end of the first component into the internal cavity. 
     
     
       6. The container of  claim 5 , wherein the second component comprises a generally cylindrical protrusion and the second protrusion defines a complementary recess receiving the second component in the compressed state of the container. 
     
     
       7. The container of  claim 6 , wherein a leading edge of at least one of the cylindrical protrusion or the complementary recess is rounded. 
     
     
       8. The container of  claim 1 , wherein the first protrusion and the second protrusion defined opposing and complementary domed-shaped protruding and recessed ends, respectively. 
     
     
       9. The container of  claim 1 , wherein the first protrusion and the second protrusion comprise tapered cylinders having complementary engaging end surfaces. 
     
     
       10. The container of  claim 1 , wherein the housing is formed from a blow-molded polymer material.